How to Change Gmail’s Language Default

Find your native tongue in Google’s language settings

Gmail’s interface can be rendered in one of dozens of different languages, with dialects from all over the globe available. If it’s not in your native language, you can change the Gmail language default to your native tongue.

How to Change Gmail’s Language in a Web Browser

Use the steps below to change Gmail’s default language within any web browser on Chrome OS, macOS, Linux, Windows or even on a mobile platform,

Step 1: Open your web browser and navigate to gmail.com, entering your Google Account credentials if prompted.

Step 2: Select Settings, represented by a gear-shaped icon and located in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

Step 3: When the drop-down menu appears, select Settings.

Step 4: Select the General tab, if it’s not already selected.

Step 5: Locate the Language section and select the drop-down menu labeled Gmail display language.

Step 6: A list of available languages should now be visible. Choose the desired language from the list.

Step 7: Scroll to the bottom of the page and select Save Changes.

Step 8: Gmail’s interface should be instantly updated in the language that you have chosen. Repeat the steps above to revert these changes, or to switch to yet another language.

How to Change Gmail’s Language in Android

The instructions below allow you to change Gmail’s default language on your Android smartphone or tablet.

Warning: By following these instructions, the default language for all apps on your Android device will be changed. It is not possible to modify language settings for Gmail only. If you wish to do so, we recommend accessing Gmail via a web browser as opposed to through the app.

Step 1: Tap the Settings icon, located on your Android’s home screen and sometimes found on the second page of apps.

Step 2: When the Android Settings interface appears, scroll down and select General Management.

Step 3: Tap Language and input.

Step 4: Select the Language option, located at the top of the screen.

Step 5: Your current default language should be displayed at the top of the list, with any other languages currently installed shown below it. To make one of those other options the default language for Gmail, tap and drag it to the top of the list. If you do not see the desired language in your list, select Add language and install it from the options provided.

How to Change Gmail’s Language in iOS

Follow the steps below to change the default language used by Gmail on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch.

Warning: Taking these steps will change the default language used by all apps on your device, not just Gmail. There is no way to change the default language just for the Gmail app, unfortunately. If you wish to do so, we recommend accessing Gmail via a web browser as opposed to via the app.

Step 1: Tap the Settings icon, located on your iOS Home Screen.

Step 2: When the iOS Settings interface appears, select General.

Step 3: The General Settings should now be visible. Tap Language & Region.

Step 4: Depending on your device, tap iPhone Language or iPad Language.

Step 5: A list of available languages will be displayed. Scroll down and select the one you wish to use for Gmail and your other iOS apps. You can also enter the name of the language in the Search bar found at the top of the screen if you’d rather not scroll through the dozens of available options.

Step 6: Once the desired language is selected and has a blue check mark to the right of its name, tap Done.

Step 7: A message will appear that reads “Setting Language…”. After a few seconds you’ll be returned to the Language & Region Settings screen, with your new language activated. Repeat the steps above at any time to revert back to your original language or to set a different one altogether.